I should leave her alone now. The lass has been through enough with that scunner ruining her morning. So I turn away, heading toward Gil's house. After a couple of steps, I hesitate and glance back at her. "If you want me—"
"I know where you live." She scratches her neck, suddenly looking sheepish. "Didn't mean that in a creepy way, like I'm planning a home invasion."
My attention flicks down to her breasts, and for a moment, I can do nothing but stare at them and wonder what they look like. What they taste like.Get a grip, man.I swerve my focus back to Erica's eyes. "Invade anytime. I'm certain I can take you."
I rush back to Gil's house and slam the door shut behind me.
What am I doing? Flirting with a vibrant young woman, while I'm a forty-two-year-old divorced man with enough scars to keep a plastic surgeon busy for ten years.
I won't see her again. She has problems of her own.
But I need to see her again.
Aye, I'm a dunderhead of the first order.
Chapter Five
For a while after my encounter with Erica and that scunner, Presley, I try everything I can think of to get my mind off what happened. I despise anyone, male or female, who treats others with disdain and hostility. Presley seems like exactly the sort who would bully and cajole someone he views as weaker than himself.
Thinking about all of that makes me tense and slightly nauseous. I need a different distraction, but ringing my brother Rory doesn't help. He isn't answering. Busy with a client, I'm sure. I ring my youngest brother, Aidan, but he also doesn't answer.
Everyone has a life to lead except for me. I'm sitting here in someone else's house, trying to make sense of my world.
The doorbell rings.
Is it Erica?
Bloody hell, man, have your testicles shriveled up and turned you into a woman?
Now I'm insulting myself in my own thoughts. I've turned into a bampot for certain, but I heave my body off the sofa and shuffle to the front door, swinging it inward.
Erica smiles sweetly at me.
All the blood vacates my brain and floods down to myslat. I try to seem nonchalant by placing one hand on the door and cocking my hip. And I force myself to look at her face, not her bosom. "You want me, then?"
I want her to say yes, but she ought to say no.
Erica tips her head back to meet my gaze. "I talked to Gil. He sent me a photo of you and him together, so I know you're who you say you are." She points at the bag hooked over her shoulder. The sides are distended as if she's got a large item in there. "Besides, I brought you a housewarming slash thanks-for-scaring-the-bejesus-out-of-my-ex gift."
Heaven above, she is the most adorable woman on earth. Her dog sits beside her, ever the faithful companion.
I duck my head, suddenly feeling like a wee laddie having his first crush on a lassie, and move only my eyes to look up at her. I can't help smiling. "You checked me out, eh? Suppose after last night, I can't blame you for being suspicious. And I must admit, it's rather endearing." I glance at her bag. "You owe me no gifts for lending a hand, but I'll accept it as a housewarming present."
"Deal." She bites her lip. "May I come in?"
"Of course."
The dog jumps up to plant his paws on my stomach, his tail wagging. I can't resist the sweet pup any more than I can resist his owner, so I kneel to scratch behind the dog's ears. He chuffs, clearly enjoying the attention.
I stand up and roll my shoulders back. "Your dog seems to like me."
"His name is Casey, and he's easier than a drunk hooker. He gets just as excited about the mailman and the squirrel in the backyard."
"Careful, with words like those I might get to thinking you fancy me." I shouldn't want her to fancy me, but for some reason, I do.
She smiles. "Then you're easier than Casey. Unfortunately, I'm no longer in the market for romance."
"You did kiss me last night."